Police Report Increased Number of Fraud Cases

South Brunswick Police issued an alert Friday after an increase in incidents of fraud and attempted fraud in the township over the past two months.

Police said the methods used by the suspects include claiming to be a representative from the power company who then demands money to keep the power from being shut off, or the suspect identifies himself as being from the IRS or FBI and demanding money.

Police said the incidents have mirrored similar cases reported by other law enforcement agencies statewide, involving the use of the internet or telephone calls to attempt to defraud people. Local authorities have coordinated follow up investigations with state and federal agencies to identify the suspects. 

South Brunswick Police will hold an informational seminar for senior citizens on fraud detection and prevention at the South Brunswick Senior Center on Nov. 20 at 12:30 p.m.

Authorities are recommending the following web sites for more information:

IRS Webpage: http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-Warns-of-Pervasive-Telephone-Scam 

BBB Webpage: http://newjersey.bbb.org/article/beware-of-growing-irs-phone-scam-cautions--better-business-bureau-44404 

FTC Webpage: http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0076-telemarketing-scams 

NCOA Webpage: http://www.ncoa.org/enhance-economic-security/economic-security-Initiative/savvy-saving-seniors/top-10-scams-targeting.html 

FBI Webpage: http://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/fraud 

FBI Webpage: http://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/computer_protect 

FBI Webpage: http://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2012/august/new-internet-scam